Herzog tasks Gadi Eisenkot with forming new Israeli government
President taps opposition leader Eisenkot to form government after election deadlock.
(Photo via NPR)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog officially tasked Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, with forming the country's next government on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. The decision follows the Oct. 27 election, which left the Knesset deadlocked without a clear majority for either major political bloc.
Eisenkot, a former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, received recommendations from 67 members of the 120-seat Knesset. In contrast, incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, received 46 recommendations. While Netanyahu’s camp secured 53 seats in the election compared to the 48 seats won by the opposition bloc, neither side reached the 61-seat threshold required to govern.
Following the announcement, Eisenkot stated that he intends to form a national emergency government. A formal ceremony to grant the mandate is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
Under Israeli law, Eisenkot has 28 days to build a coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. If he is unable to secure a majority within this timeframe, the president may assign the task to another lawmaker or move toward calling for new elections.